Buying Beer In New Jersey: What You Need To Know

If you're looking to buy beer in New Jersey, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, unlike in many other states, you typically won't find beer and wine in convenience stores or grocery stores. This is due to New Jersey's liquor license laws, which some residents find frustrating as it means they have to visit multiple stores to do their errands. However, there are some grocery stores that have liquor stores attached, and there are also dedicated retailers that sell beer, wine, and spirits, such as Bottle King in Chatham and Super Buy Rite in Jersey City. It's worth noting that you'll need to present a valid ID when picking up an alcohol order in New Jersey, and some stores have specific rules around this, so it's always good to check before you buy.

Where to buy beer in New Jersey

If you're looking to buy beer in New Jersey, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's worth noting that New Jersey has some unique liquor license laws, and you won't find beer and wine in most convenient grocery stores. However, there are dedicated liquor stores and retailers that offer a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits.

One popular option is Bottle King, located at 41 Watchung Ave in Chatham, NJ. They offer a large selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including IPAs, Scotch whisky, and wines from various regions. You can visit their store or order online for local delivery. Another retailer with multiple locations in New Jersey is Wine Warehouse. They have a store in Sicklerville at 665 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, where you can find a range of beer, wine, and spirits. Wine Warehouse offers discounts through SMS and allows pickups with valid ID.

In addition to these dedicated liquor stores, some grocery stores in New Jersey have attached liquor stores. For example, there is a ShopRite in Kearny that has a liquor store, and Costco locations in Plainfield and Bayonne also have liquor stores, although the one in Bayonne is independently owned.

It's always a good idea to check the latest inventory and store policies, as they can vary, and don't forget to bring a valid ID when purchasing alcohol in New Jersey.

Age requirements for buying beer

To buy beer in New Jersey, you must be at least 21 years old. This is the legal drinking age in the state, and it is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under this age. The penalty for doing so is a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

New Jersey alcohol laws also permit adults aged 18 or over to work as bartenders, servers in venues that sell alcohol for on-site consumption, and cashiers in venues that sell alcohol to be consumed elsewhere. People aged 18 or over may also own a liquor license, but they may not consume any alcohol.

Underage drinking is illegal in New Jersey, and there are penalties for those caught drinking under the age of 21. The state does not prohibit internal possession of alcohol, so people under 21 cannot be penalised for drinking after the fact. However, it is illegal for those under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over 0.01%. The use of a false ID to buy alcohol is also a crime.

Some towns in New Jersey have stricter rules, prohibiting drinking under the age of 21 unless a relative over the age of 21 is present.

Beer delivery options in New Jersey

New Jersey is known for its beaches, blueberries, and proximity to big cities like New York and Philadelphia. It also has a wide range of beer delivery options to cater to its residents and tourists.

Drizly

Drizly is an alcohol delivery app that delivers beer, wine, and liquor to your doorstep in under 60 minutes. They partner with local liquor retailers and allow you to browse their inventory on your smartphone or web browser. Drizly offers contactless delivery, and you can hold up your ID for scanning without any physical contact.

Minibar Delivery

Minibar Delivery is another option for getting wine, liquor, and beer delivered to your door in as little as 30-60 minutes. They work with local store partners to bring you a wide range of alcoholic beverages, mixers, flowers, and glassware. You can browse their selection, add items to your cart, and checkout through their website or app.

Bottle King

Bottle King, located at 41 Watchung Ave in Chatham, NJ, offers local delivery of wine, beer, and spirits. You can shop their inventory online and have your order delivered to your home.

Local Breweries and Distilleries

During the coronavirus pandemic, several breweries and distilleries in New Jersey began offering takeout and delivery services. Some of these include the Cape May Brewing Co., Jersey Girl Brewing, and Little Water Distillery. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm as the ability for breweries and distilleries to do home delivery is subject to review by the governor's office.

Liquor Stores

Many liquor stores in New Jersey also provide delivery services, including Amanti Vino, Buy Rite Wine & Liquors, Joe Canal's, and Total Wine. These stores have multiple locations across the state, making it convenient for residents in different areas to access their services.

So, whether you're enjoying a day at the beach or exploring the botanical gardens, you can easily get your favourite beer delivered right to your doorstep in the Garden State.

Buying beer in-store vs. online

In New Jersey, the laws governing alcoholic beverages are among the most complex in the United States, with many peculiarities not found in other states' laws. The state grants individual municipalities substantial discretion in passing ordinances regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol within their limits.

Buying Beer In-Store

In New Jersey, it is not as simple as walking into a grocery or convenience store to buy beer. The state's liquor license laws make it impractical for chain stores to sell alcoholic drinks. This restriction, in conjunction with municipal ordinances, severely limits the sale of beer in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Retail licenses tend to be difficult to obtain, and when available are subject to exorbitant prices and fervent competition. The number of retail licenses available is determined by a municipality's population and may be further limited by the town's governing body.

Buying Beer Online

Online beer sales in New Jersey are available through various platforms, including Total Wine & More, which offers a range of craft beers, seasonal releases, and variety packs. Online retailers often provide discounts and promotions, making it a cost-effective option.

However, it is important to note that online orders typically require in-person pickup, and a valid ID must be presented at the time of pickup. Additionally, some retailers have specific locations for order fulfilment, so it is essential to check the pickup location before placing an order.

The decision to buy beer in-store or online in New Jersey ultimately depends on individual preferences and circumstances. While in-store purchases offer the convenience of immediate access, online options provide a wider range of choices and potential cost savings. It is worth noting that the availability of alcohol and regulations governing its sale vary significantly across different towns in New Jersey.

Buying beer in New Jersey compared to other states

The state laws governing alcoholic beverages in New Jersey are among the most complex in the United States, with many peculiarities not found in other states' laws. For example, corporations are limited to two retail distribution licenses, making it impractical for chain stores to sell alcoholic drinks. This restriction, in conjunction with municipal ordinances, severely limits supermarket and convenience store chains from selling beer as they do in many other states.

New Jersey also has a strong tradition of municipal home rule, meaning local municipalities have considerable authority in the licensing and regulating of alcohol-related businesses. These powers include limiting the number of licenses to sell alcoholic beverages, limiting the hours of retail alcohol sales, prohibiting the retail sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays, and regulating the nature and condition of the licensed premises.

As a result of these complex laws and the discretion given to local municipalities, the availability of alcohol and regulations governing it vary significantly from town to town in New Jersey. A small percentage of municipalities in the state are "dry towns" that do not allow alcoholic drinks to be sold, and do not issue retail licenses for bars or restaurants to serve alcohol to patrons. In contrast, other towns permit alcohol sales 24 hours a day.

The process of obtaining a retail license in New Jersey tends to be difficult and expensive, with licenses subject to exorbitant prices and fervent competition. This has resulted in a state-enforced monopoly, where liquor stores have no incentive to improve their customer service or selection.

In comparison, many other states have more relaxed laws regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages. For example, in California, alcoholic beverages can be purchased at any time from convenience stores, with the exception of gas stations. Other states, such as Indiana and Oklahoma, have more restrictive laws, with some counties or towns prohibiting the sale of alcohol altogether.

Overall, while New Jersey's alcohol laws may seem cumbersome to some, they are the result of a long history of taverns and alcohol production in the state, dating back to the early colonial period.

Frequently asked questions